During October, Harrogate Volkswagen accepted St Michael’s ‘You’re Inspired’ challenge aiming to raise over £2,000 for the local Hospice. The popular fund raising competition saw St Michael’s give the Volkswagen retailer £100 and challenged them to turn it in to a larger amount to give back to the Hospice.

Harrogate Volkswagen Brand Manager Kevin Howe said, “We tasked our Valeting team with washing every single car that come into our workshop during October and in return, we asked our aftersales customers to donate an amount they believe the wash to be worth. Everything we collected will be going straight to St Michael’s.”

“But the hard work wasn't just confined to the Valeting team” said Kevin. “The whole team helped to wash and vacuum vehicles of any make or model on the used car forecourt every Saturday during October in return for a donation".

Kevin also said "The staff here always love a challenge, and we really enjoyed supporting what is a great cause that’s close to our hearts.” During the closing week, Kevin volunteered to be locked in the stocks, allowing his admiring team a little target practice, tossing wet sponges for a pound a throw.

Harrogate's valued customer donations amounted to £1,211, this was then matched by Harrogate Volkswagen, totaling a final £2,422.

St Michael’s spend £5m a year helping people with terminal illnesses across the Harrogate district – with around 80% of funds coming from donations from local businesses and individuals. The ‘You’re Inspired’ challenge helps raise thousands of pounds every year to help continue the Hospice’s great work. Harrogate Volkswagen, being part of the Sytner Group, allows all employees to take a paid day off every year to raise funds or offer practical help for local charities.

If you’d like to accept the St Michael’s Hospice ‘You’re Inspired’ challenge, you can find out more information here.